Unique and common elements of the role of peer support in the context of traditional mental health services.

Abstract

These findings may address the role ambiguity that currently challenges efforts to establish peer support as a legitimate service in the field of behavioral health. In addition, the findings demonstrate how the roles of PSPs and CMs could be synergistic in complex organizational settings. (PsycINFO Database Record

The transition from patient to mental health peer worker: A grounded theory approach

“…This process of personal development is perceived by the participants as a core process to become a peer worker. Working towards patients' educational growth and supporting patients' personal development are unique features of peer workers working in traditional mental health services (Crane et al 2016). Moreover, recovery is described as a searching process that reflects a struggle to achieve stability and find a certain calm and balance (Wilken 2010).…”

“…For instance, this can result in peer workers who focus on motivating patients to comply with prescribed treatment, rather than inspiring patients to make decisions for themselves Crane et al . , p. 283). Peer workers might also have different views to other care providers about issues such as risk management and self‐disclosure (Higgins et al .…”

“…Crane et al . () highlight a lack of clarity about roles that peer workers take on within mental healthcare organizations. Using their own lived experiences to inspire and guide patients is an example of what peer workers themselves perceive as their specific expertise and that complements the expertise of mental health nurses (Debyser et al .…”

“…However, research shows that these organizations are not always prepared for embedding peer workers in their organizations (Cleary et al 2011;Gillard et al 2014;Vandewalle et al 2016). Crane et al (2016) highlight a lack of clarity about roles that peer workers take on within mental healthcare organizations. Using their own lived experiences to inspire and guide patients is an example of what peer workers themselves perceive as their specific expertise and that complements the expertise of mental health nurses .…”

Service Users Experience of Peer Support in Swedish Mental Health Care: A “Tipping Point” in the Care-Giving Culture?

“…It has been suggested that various models of peer support, the various roles attached to the function, and the complications attached to studying this innovation within complex and varied organizational models, can complicate attempts to produce good quality studies that focus on effects [1,14,15]. While many studies point to possible benefits of peer support, others suggest that greater understanding of the expected impact is needed, and that more rigorous research to determine best practice, relevant measures and primary outcomes should be a goal [3].…”